"Contentment is only found in the external circumstances that
correspond to a man's pecuniary ability," was my answer to this.
"Which, think you, is best contented? Tyler, in a small house,
neatly furnished, and with a hundred dollars in his pocket; or you,
in your large house, with a debt of six hundred dollars hanging over
you?"

There was an instant change in my friend's countenance. The question
seemed to startle him. He sighed, involuntarily.

"But all this won't lift my notes," said he, after the silence of a
few minutes. "Good morning!"

Poor fellow! I felt sorry for him. He had been buying comfort at
rather too large a price.

The more Brainard cast about in his mind for the means of lifting
his notes, the more troubled did he become.

"I might borrow," said he to himself; "but how am I to pay back the
sum?"

To borrow, however, was better than to let his notes be dishonoured.
So Brainard, as the time of payment drew nearer and nearer, made an
effort to get from his friends the amount of money needed.

But the effort was not successful. Some looked surprised when he
spoke of having notes to meet; others ventured a little good advice
on the subject of prudence in young men who are beginning the world,